Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking an accomplished Project Management Director (Surface Water) to provide strategic leadership, technical oversight, and operational direction for our Surface Water practice in Sacramento, California.

In this role, you will lead multidisciplinary teams delivering complex and high-profile surface water programs, including dams and reservoirs, levees and canals, flood risk reduction and resilience initiatives, watershed and river restoration, and major conveyance and tunnel systems. You will set technical vision, shape project execution strategy, mentor senior and emerging leaders, strengthen executive-level client relationships, and drive the sustained growth and performance of our Surface Water business.

This position is designed for a senior leader with demonstrated technical authority and business acumen — someone prepared to assume broader operational leadership responsibilities, including full department leadership with P&L accountability, as the Surface Water practice continues its expansion across AECOM’s Pacific West Division.

Backed by AECOM’s #1 ENR-ranked Water business line and sustained project wins across California and the western U.S., this role offers the opportunity to lead transformative infrastructure programs while advancing your executive leadership career within a globally recognized firm.

Business Development & Strategic Growth

• Lead strategic business development initiatives, including executive client engagement, pursuit strategy, and proposal governance to secure major programs and expand market share.
• Contribute to division-level business planning, revenue forecasting, backlog management, and workforce strategy to enable scalable and sustainable growth.
• Cultivate long-term partnerships with key public agencies, industry leaders, and teaming partners to position AECOM for priority infrastructure investments.
• Develop market intelligence and competitive insights to guide strategic positioning in targeted sectors across California and the Pacific West.
• Serve as a visible industry leader representing AECOM at agency, regulatory, and professional forums.

People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Mentor and develop high-performing technical and project management leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Provide executive oversight of resource planning and workload management to optimize utilization and delivery performance across multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead talent acquisition, retention, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives to strengthen organizational depth and long-term capability.
• Promote cross-discipline integration and collaboration across offices and business lines.

Technical & Delivery Excellence

• Provide executive technical oversight and strategic guidance on complex water infrastructure programs, including design, analysis, inspection, construction support, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead senior technical teams in the development of plans, specifications, construction estimates, and delivery strategies for major capital programs.
• Direct engineering analysis and design for water resources infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, levees, canals, tunnels, pipelines, flood protection systems, and conveyance facilities.
• Oversee preparation and quality assurance of technical reports, design memoranda, and construction documentation.
• Champion innovation, resilience, and sustainability in surface water solutions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology,  or related field and 12+ years of relevant experience including 4 years of leadership or demonstrated equivalency of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 20+ years of civil engineering or geology experience related to water resources infrastructure or related sector.
• 5+ years leading and managing technical teams.
• Experience working with Reclamation, California DWR, USACE, or other West Coast water agencies.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex surface water programs.

• Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this role.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.